Dinner

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

ByHugo Harnd November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Introduction

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on two comfort food classics. Packed with lean beef and colorful peppers, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for anyone craving something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

A black bowl filled with creamy pasta made of short, curly noodles in pale yellow, mixed with small chunks of cooked ground beef in brown, and pieces of red and yellow bell peppers. The dish is topped with melted white cheese, sprinkled with fresh green parsley and cracked black pepper on the surface. The bowl is set on a dark cloth, with parts of green herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
20g butter (or olive oil)
1 tbsp minced garlic
100g chopped white onion
75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)
Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
140g light cream cheese
50g shredded mozzarella
3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese)
125ml reserved pasta water
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta = protein boost)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until they soften.
Step 3: Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow them to melt together, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to coat every noodle in the cheesy sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.

Tips & Variations

Use turkey or chickpeas instead of beef for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Swap the bell peppers for mushrooms or spinach for a different vegetable twist.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta increases the protein and fiber content.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add a burst of freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess if the sauce thickens. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy cheese sauce.

How to Serve

A bowl of creamy macaroni pasta with three main layers: at the bottom, elbow-shaped pasta in a pale creamy yellow color; the middle layer has small pieces of brown ground beef mixed with small red and orange bell pepper slices; the top layer is melted white cheese that is thick and gooey with a mottled texture of black pepper sprinkled on it, garnished with bright green parsley leaves. The food is in a black bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef with chickpeas or a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling. Alternatively, use extra shredded cheese and a splash of milk to create a creamy sauce.